Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Hannah’s song, God’s grace prolonged
Bible Reading: 1Samuel 2:1-11
Key Verse: "Then Hannah prayed and said: 'My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.'" (1 Samuel 2:1)
DEVOTION
I Samuel 2:1-11 is a song of praise and thanksgiving offered to God. This passage also known as “Hannah’s Prayer”, is a poetic summary of chapter 1 and as she looks back on her life, she sees God’s goodness, faithfulness, and blessings. It is a prayer of adulation and exultation, to the Lord who has answered her earlier prayer. Her prayer of thankfulness breaks down into three parts: first, Hannah expresses praise to God simply for who He is (vv. 1-2), second, she thanks God for what he has done (vv. 3-8), and lastly, she looks forward with hopeful anticipation to what God will do (vv. 9-10).
Hannah’s prayer is much more than a thanksgiving for her son; it’s a profound reflection on the character of God and His power to transform lives. She begins with a declaration of joy: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord, my horn is lifted high.” In the Bible, a “horn” is often a symbol of strength and honor. Despite the years of sorrow she endured, Hannah’s prayer is now marked by a confident joy that only God could provide.
Here are some key aspects of Hannah’s prayer that can inspire and challenge us
Rejoice in God, Not Just His Gifts: Hannah’s joy was in the Lord Himself, not solely in the gift of her son. We need to know that God is in control. God is aware of all your needs and your struggles, and he encourages you to call upon him in prayer. As we pray, let's seek to find our ultimate joy and satisfaction in God, regardless of the outcomes we see.
Trust God’s Timing and Justice: Hannah’s prayer highlights God’s justice, His power to humble the proud, and to lift up those who are humble. She speaks of God as One who brings about justice in His perfect timing. Hannah’s story reminds us that God works on a timeline that we may not fully understand. When we are waiting, let’s remember that God is always working behind the scenes in ways we cannot see.
Share Your Testimony: Hannah’s prayer is also a public declaration of God’s faithfulness. She boldly declares what God had done for her. In doing so she set an example for Israel and for us. Her testimony encourages us to share our own stories of God’s faithfulness. When we proclaim God’s goodness, we strengthen our own faith and encourage others who may be in seasons of waiting or hardship.
We find a different Hannah from chapter one to chapter two. Back in chapter one Hannah wept and prayed to the Lord in the bitterness of her soul. Now in chapter two she sings a song of thanksgiving, “My heart rejoices in the Lord.” Hannah had learned that there is no one like God. Through her example, we see that our greatest praise often comes after seasons of waiting, trusting, and surrendering. God sees the struggles we face, the seasons of barrenness or hardship, and He acts in ways that reveal His greatness. Sometimes, His response may be different from what we expected or hoped for, but His ways are always good. Like Hannah, we can find joy not just in what we receive from God but in who He is.
PRAYER